Luxury Nepal

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met immediately off the plane and escorted through fast-track immigration, baggage, and customs formalities. You’ll then be introduced to your private guide and local driver in the arrivals hall, then be transferred privately to your central Kathmandu hotel. For most hotels the transfer time is 30-45 minutes at most in typical traffic.

The rest of the day is free to settle in. With its ornate palaces, temples and squares, UNESCO sites, mini kingdoms, extraordinary architecture, and arts and crafts, Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a fascinating place. Highlights include the courtyards and chambers of the Royal Palace, and Kathmandu Durbar Square with its highly-detailed wooden temples. In the outlying area around Kathmandu, further sights include Swayambhunath, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist stupa, and Bhaktapur, an enchanting ancient city with winding alleyways and a stunning palatial complex brimming with architectural gems.

Today you’ll embark on a full-day tour of Kathmandu with your private guide and driver.

Begin with a visit to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple thanks to its resident troop of macaques, which from its lofty hilltop position offers panoramic views over Kathmandu Valley. Next, discover Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas. Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance, spin prayer wheels, and observe religious rituals performed by monks and locals.

Your guide will take you for lunch in a local restaurant and you will then head into the very center of Kathmandu to visit Durbar Square: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its ancient royal palace complex and intricately carved temples. You’ll also visit the Kumari Chowk, home of the living goddess Kumari.

Surrounding Durbar Square are numerous cafes housed within converted ancient buildings, so you can stop for further refreshment before heading to your final stop of the day at Pashupathinah. This sacred Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is set on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River – believed by Hindus to be one of the most auspicious cremation sites in the world. Please note that non-Hindus are not permitted within the very inner areas of the temple but you will be able to explore the outer complex and witness the comings and goings of droves of Hindu devotees practicing their traditions, and the preparations for ongoing cremation ceremonies.

Return to the hotel to spend the evening at leisure.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Pokhara Airport for the incredibly short flight to Bharatpur (flying time of just 20 minutes, compared to a drive of five hours!). Upon arrival, you’ll be met by representatives of your nature lodge and transferred to your nearby accommodation on the fringes of Chitwan National Park.

Chitwan National Park is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its diverse wildlife, including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, elephants, and a variety of bird species. Later in the afternoon, you will head out on an afternoon jungle safari or evening boat ride to spot such diverse wildlife in its natural habitat.

Today is yours to plan as you wish. A wide variety of activities are included as part of your stay in this lodge, including a further jeep safari, a peaceful boat ride along the river, a nature hike, or a cultural tour into a nearby Tharu village to learn about the local way of life.

Speak to lodge staff locally to help plan out your day. Lunch and dinner are included back at the lodge restaurant and any downtime can be spent relaxing around the pool or on your verandah.

After breakfast you will be transferred to nearby Bharatpur and then fly up to Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside capital. Pokhara is known for its views of the snow-capped Himalayas including splendid views of the fishtailed summit of Mt. Machhapuchhre and the Phewa Lake which has its source in the nearby glacial Annapurna Range.

After landing in the city your private guide will take you on a short tour of Pokhara including The Peace Pagoda which was constructed in the 1970s to promote peace and harmony among people of different backgrounds. Located on top of Anadu Hill, it offers stunning panoramic views of Pokhara city, Phewa Lake, and the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. You can either reach the pagoda by taking a boat ride across Phewa Lake (subject to water levels) and then hiking up the hill, enjoying the forest trails and scenic vistas on the way. And easier route is also available by car.

Afterward, you will be transferred to your accommodation for the next two nights, Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, a secluded, haven 30 minutes’ drive outside (and above Pokhara), which has been setting the standard for eco-luxury, offbeat and experiential accommodation since 1998.

Today is left deliberately free of arrangements to enjoy Tiger Mountain Lodge, and indulge in some of the on-site activities on offer. A sample day may look like the following, but how much or how little you do is up to you.

The morning tends to start with bed tea or your preferred beverage on your room’s verandah while admiring the spectacular views of the Himalayas followed by breakfast in the restaurant. Then choose from a variety of activities: a day hike to the Gurung village of Thuloswara, or a shorter walk to the charming Begnas Lake. Both routes take you through a variety of local villages, forests, and farmland and are accompanied by a picnic lunch.

Or… unwind by the secluded pool and treat yourself to an Ayurvedic massage or afternoon tea! In the evening, a three-course continental dinner sourced from local, organic ingredients will be served and the days end by the fire, enjoying coffee, and a fine wine or whisky!

After an early breakfast you will leave Tiger Mountain and set off on a long, but astonishing drive from Pokhara up to Mustang.

High up in the Himalaya, bordering the Tibetan plateau, Mustang is a relatively underdisccovered corner of Nepal, and was ruled by its own Shah Dynasty until as recently as 2008. The region is a hidden gem renowned for its unspoiled, authentic culture and rich heritage. Stunning landscapes and a fascinating Tibetan-influenced culture, make it a fascinating destination, and the capital, Lo Manthang, still boasts traditional houses, narrow streets, notable Gompas, and a royal palace. It truly is a place that has hardly been touched by time and where ancient tradition and a rich culture still permeate.

Driving time will be approximately 6-7 hours, including stops for rest, refreshment, and photography en route. Arrive at your isolated by luxurious lodge late afternoon. On arrival you will spend the rest of the day relaxing, and acclimatizing to the 2,800m altitude.

Two full days are required to experience this remote and underexplored region of Nepal. Your stay includes all activities on a privately guided basis, as well as full-board meals, spa, mini-bar, laundry, and the services of a Personal Adventure Guide.

We recommend starting at least one morning with breakfast at the Yharu-Zho Viewpoint, a 45-minute drive away, which offers breathtaking mountain views.

A wide menu of hikes are available to experience firsthand the unique and diverse desert landscapes of Mustang. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks you’ll traverse farmlands, glacier lakes, and remote villages while encountering wild horses, yaks, and abundant wildlife. Then, if feeling brave, take a dip in the natural cold springs.

This is a region with a unique Buddhist culture, which can be experienced by visiting the ancient village of Kagbeni, where century-old traditions are still practiced, or exploring the Zharkot monastery in Upper Mustang, the last Buddhist Kingdom. The Muktinath Temple is one of the highest temples in the world, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists, and the Mustang Caves, are thousands of man-made caves adorned with Buddhist sculptures and paintings that date back 2,000 years.

You might also enjoy trying your hand at archery, learning firsthand from local experts! Or relax back at the lodge, pampering yourself in the spa, or relaxing on a terrace while enjoying the peaks of the high Himalaya rising up immediately in front of you.

This morning you will be transferred to nearby Jomsom Airport, then fly back to Kathmandu, via Pokhara. After landing back in the Nepali capital you’ll be transferred to the iconic Dwarika’s hotel in the Transfer to Jomson airport and fly via Pokhara to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city and have the rest of the day to relax.

Make an early start this morning the exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experience of a champagne breakfast overlooking Mount Everest. Board a private helicopter in Kathmandu and fly above the majestic peaks of the world’s highest mountains including, as you approach your exclusive landing site, Mount Everest. Once there, take in the towering peaks, serene valleys, and dramatic glaciers as you sip champagne and your private chef prepares your gourmet breakfast. There will be ample time for photo opportunities before heading back to Kathmandu.

In the afternoon, explore the ancient former independent Kingdoms of Patan and Bhaktapur. Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is a living town and an architectural marvel. Discover its well-preserved Durbar Square, adorned with intricately carved temples, palaces, and courtyards, and the beautiful and spiritual Golden Temple. In Bhaktapur, step back in time as you wander through its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Durbar Square known for its exquisite Newari architecture, including the famous 55 Window Palace and the Nyatapola Temple. Explore the narrow alleyways and discover traditional pottery and woodcarving workshops.

Sadly, your Himalayan adventures have come to an end. At the appropriate time your driver will escort you back to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward flight.

Please speak to your consultant to arrange extensions to this tour or further transport arrangements to facilitate your journey home.